Calistoga Central
- Food served: Mon–Sat noon–2.30pm, 5–10pm; Sun 12.30pm–2.30pm, 5–10pm. [Extended in Festival].
- Pre-theatre times: Mon–Sun 5–6.15pm
- Bar open: Will open bar at different times for groups or wine tastings by prior request
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 10
- Private dining: Up to 12 covers
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Pre-theatre menu
- Music on stereo: Californian radio streamed over web
- Opening times: Will open bar at different times for groups or wine tastings by prior request
- Capacity: 80
- Largest group: 60
- Open since: 2008 (from 2004 in original location)
- Average price:
£11.50 (set lunch)
£20.50 (evening meal) - Pre-theatre price: Half price mains. Starters and desserts: £4
- House wine: £13 per bottle
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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.
It's a testament to the quality of food on offer that Calistoga has any customers, secreted as it is on a street few venture down. Once you’ve found your way here, this chic Californian eatery has much to set the taste buds alight. The quirky tempura haggis starter is creamy and delicately flavoured, although its success only highlights the flaws in the limp Asian noodle salad. Mix and match is the order of the day on the grill menu. Diners select their meat – from the rib-eye steak to the rather daunting ostrich fillet – and add a sauce. There's a spicy salsa, port and shallot, or a velvety peppercorn sauce that wins the day. Sides are another tough choice but the hand-cut fries, whether sweet potato or traditional, are crisp and soft, their rustic appearance charmingly at odds with their professional finish. For dessert the pretty rhubarb three ways (panacotta, mousse and sorbet) is delectable. Pink and sharp and sweet. Calistoga changes its menu regularly but not to worry, the food should always shine.
- High point: Generous portions of meat and potatoes
- Low point: But could be more generous with the sauces
Reviews of Calistoga Central (70 Rose Street North Lane, Edinburgh)
- 5. M – 11 August 2011, 11:52am
Calistoga CentralReport -
For a restaurant to be based in a city centre back lane it should offer excellent food and service to make up for the less than salubrious surroundings. Unfortunately Calistoga doesn't even come close to offering either.
The service was so-so, with a distinct lack of warmth or personal touch. It gave the impression that everyone was too busy and there was a distinct lack of attention paid to customers.
The food itself was the main disappointment. Warm asparagus and shitake mushroom salad included a grand total of one and a half spears of asparagus. In fact the asparagus had been sliced down the middle to give the impression that there were a whole three spears! This wasn't helped by the fact it had obviously been cooked in bicarbonate of soda to keep them greener, but at the same time make them mushier. The shitake mushrooms didn't compensate for this and although tasty enough were a bit gritty.
The mix and match main grill was underwhelming with the chicken erring on the side of being overcooked and lacking any real flavour. At best it was adequate and did nothing to tempt us to go for a third course.
Trying a new cuisine is always something to look forward to, particularly when you don't really have any idea or expectation of what it's going to be. We left Calistoga with no real idea of what Californian cuisine actually is, but pretty sure we didn't care much for it.
- 4. Brodieman, Edinburgh – 31 January 2011, 2:39pmCalistoga CentralReport
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Never had a bad meal here. Staff remain courteous and attentive without being intrusive. The menu changes regularly and there is always plenty to choose from. The Californian wine list is outstanding. One of my favourite places in Edinburgh.
- 3. AM, Edinburgh – 15 January 2011, 7:48pm
Calistoga CentralReport -
Disappointing. The only thing I can agree with in previous review is the presentation of the food.
I booked a table and advised we needed highchair, was not advised that they'd rather not have small children! Even when we pored over the menu with the waiter there he offered no suggestions -this is not a fussy child.
The vegetarian main course was a soggy bit of pastry with a non descript tablespoon of 'rosted' veg which could easily have been frozen diced veg., half a tinned/jarred artichoke & 4 cherry tomatoes. i had asked if i should order a side but was advised this would be filling - it was not.
The chocolate dessert was reasonable but the cheese board stingy.
Came home hungry and disappointed. I would avoid if you have young children. Also take 3 courses even if you don't feel hungry! The service is 'unobtrusive' but toward cold.
- 2. SaraD, Edinburgh – 8 March 2010, 10:41amCalistoga CentralReport
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Absolutely fantastic meal, the duck was perfectly cooked. Wine list was great, and the cheapest white by the glass very tasty for £3.50. I'll go back!
- 1. veggiefan – 21 December 2008, 11:10am
Calistoga CentralReport -
Lovely tasty food, beautifully presented but portions on the small side. Staff pleasant and unobtrusive.
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